Criminal Defense and Civil Forfeiture Blog

Published on: May 19, 2020

Georgia Revenue Department Returns $2.1 Million in Disputed Civil Asset Forfeiture Funds to State Treasury

The Georgia Department of Revenue has reportedly ended its practice of using funds seized in criminal investigations through civil asset forfeiture and returned $2.1 million to the Office of the State Treasurer.

According to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the department made the change after the publication reported that the Revenue Department’s Office of Special Investigations had spent millions of dollars seized in criminal investigations on frivolous purchases, including expensive gym equipment, engraved firearms, clothing, and personal items. By its own accounting, the office spent $2.9 million of this money over the past four years.

Published on: May 18, 2020

Reality TV Personality from Atlanta, GA, Charged with Bank Fraud

by Brian Silber

Authorities in Atlanta announced the arrest of Maurice Fayne, who stars in Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta, for allegedly misusing funds he obtained from a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan he received for his business.

Fayne, 37, was charged with bank fraud. It is unclear if he has acquired the services of an attorney.

Published on: May 11, 2020

Elementary School Teacher in Lakeland, FL, Arrested on DUI Charge

by Brian Silber

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of a Socrum Loop Elementary teacher for allegedly driving while under the influence.

Robin Eileen Ramos, 40, was charged with one count of DUI. She was taken to Polk County Jail. It is unclear if she has acquired the services of an attorney.

Published on: May 8, 2020

Tampa Woman Arrested on DUI Charges in Connection with Fatal Wrong-Way Crash in Largo, FL

by Brian Silber

Police in Largo, FL, have announced the arrest of a Tampa woman accused of driving in the wrong lane and crashing head-on into another vehicle, killing one person and injuring three others, including two children.

Britney Lynn Crawford, 27, faces charges of DUI manslaughter, DUI causing serious injury, vehicular homicide, and child neglect. She was booked into jail Sunday and was ordered held on $70,000. She bonded out of jail the following day. Attorney information wasn’t available.

Published on: May 7, 2020

U.S. Justice Department Recovers a Total of $1.1 Billion in Largest Ever Civil Asset Forfeiture Claim

by Brian Silber

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has reached a settlement of its civil forfeiture case against Khadem al-Qubaisi, an Emirati businessman who allegedly misappropriated billions from a Malaysian investment development fund and laundered the money in the U.S. by buying high-end properties.

1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) is an investment development fund created by the Malaysian government to promote economic development in Malaysia through direct foreign investments and international partnerships. Its funds were intended to be used for improving the lives of the Malaysian people.